Conbini Cult

Conbini Cult Pod
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Living in another country sure can be interesting. Is being foreigners in Japan our whole personality? I guess so. Stick around for silly stories (from us and you, the listeners) about work, dating, language learning, embarrassing moments, current events, and deep dives on Japan-related topics we’re curious to learn more about.

  1. 5D AGO

    15 Years in Japan with sandyinjapannn | Conbini Cult Episode 97

    Let’s chat with Sandy, who’s been living in Japan for 15 years, about getting started on JET, studying Japanese, becoming a permanent resident, getting diagnosed with AuDHD as an adult, and more!  You can find Sandy here: https://www.tiktok.com/@sandyinjapannn https://www.instagram.com/sandyinjapannn/ Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 専門学校 senmon gakko - trade school 養成所 youseijo - training school  無性 musei - asexual  自閉症 jiheisho - autism 内科 naika - internal medicine Time stamps 00:00 background, JET program 03:25 voice acting 04:40 Japanese language study 08:13 why move from Kobe to Tokyo? 14:01 PR (permanent residency) 19:29 getting diagnosed as AuDHD in Japan/mental health 33:29 lasik, SMILE, ICL 39:39 butsukari otoko, drones & other rants 50:47 advice if you want to move to Japan

    52 min

  2. MAY 13

    Manga creators that’ve been arrested | Conbini Cult Episode 96

    The world of manga, like any other entertainment industry, is full of the good, the bad, and the bizarre, and has its fair share of creeps. Let’s do a little dive into some recent cases where mangaka have been arrested, and sometimes convicted or fined. It’s not ALWAYS what you think. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms References/sources: After pleading guilty to tax evasion and eating a $70,000 fine, the Apothecary Diaries manga's Nekokurage confirms she will remain the artist on the hit series https://www.gamesradar.com/comics/after-pleading-guilty-to-tax-evasion-apothecary-diaries-artist-nekokurage-confirms-that-she-will-remain-the-artist-on-the-hit-manga/ https://x.com/nekokurage_/status/1774734767893942341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1774734767893942341%7Ctwgr%5Eeafb24737d65101611edf88a8e188097ac1cbd59%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itmedia.co.jp%2Fnews%2Farticles%2F2407%2F24%2Fnews158.html Controversial artist Rokudenashiko found guilty on obscenity charge https://soranews24.com/2016/05/11/controversial-artist-rokudenashiko-found-guilty-on-obscenity-charge/ Manga creator admits to groping 14-year-old girl; asks for suspended sentence https://japantoday.com/category/crime/manga-creator-admits-to-groping-14-year-old-girl-asks-for-suspended-sentence A recent s*x crime scandal could (and should) cause true reform in the manga industry https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/recent-sex-crime-scandal-could-120059835.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALiFqOYw_bGrdHYAP-EJ8FZ9dY02Ri48csLRxpz7znS4JRQkxe2mtRcEb7fJiMM34iQzwh4rdLK3K1laQjScMr5qBw4BgM1lqrfoevatLBFgB9kMLYavs1VyFis2tD0nd8CsRDV6xQi_l9eNKYFlIrG8_jDghbRG-tgnh0fmmG7v Act-Age Is Canceled https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/act-age-is-canceled Rurouni Kenshin Creator Nobuhiro Watsuki Charged With CP Possession https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-21/rurouni-kenshin-creator-nobuhiro-watsuki-charged-with-child-pornography-possession/.124308 Convicted P*dophile Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin Returns to Jump SQ In June https://www.animeherald.com/2018/04/23/convicted-pedophile-nobuhiro-watsukis-rurouni-kenshin-returns-to-jump-sq-in-june/ https://blog.jlist.com/news/vice-declares-japanese-manga-industry-full-of-pedophiles/ Hirohiko Araki’s Rebel Against ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ Author Isn’t the Same as Tite Kubo’s https://fandomwire.com/hirohiko-arakis-rebel-against-rurouni-kenshin-author-isnt-the-same-as-tite-kubos/ Big manga artists pull their works from major publisher after s*xual abuse scandal https://www.polygon.com/shogakukan-yamamoto-scandal-manga-one-sexual-assault-minor/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-08-07/mitsutoshi-shimabukuro-arrested https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-11-01/mangaka-convicted-and-sentenced-for-schoolgirl-sex-romp https://jojowiki.com/JOJO_magazine_2026_SPRING Japan bans possession of CP (2014) https://www.ntv.co.jp/englishnews/society/japan-bans-possession-of-child-pornography/ Time stamps 00:00 intro/disclaimer 03:09 Apothecary Diaries tax incident 07:37 the coochie kayak 14:44 Act Age - TW  20:50 Rurouni Kenshin - TW 23:48 other magaka taking a stand - TW 27:40 Toriko - TW 28:42 final thoughts

    34 min

  3. MAY 10

    Leveling Up as a Teacher in Japan with Mr. Patrick | Conbini Cult Episode 95

    English teachers in Japan have a bit of a reputation for just messing around and not taking their jobs seriously, but there are so many passionate teachers that come here to teach English, and some even find their calling as an educator while teaching abroad. Mr. Patrick is one of those teachers who found his calling along the way! Let’s chat about teaching in Japan vs China, and how Patrick decided to pursue a specialized teaching degree and make a solid career for himself.  Thanks for joining us! You can find Patrick here: YouTube: @thepaperpat TikTok: @thepaperpat : https://www.tiktok.com/@thepaperpat Instagram @the.paper.pat : https://www.instagram.com/the.paper.pat?igsh=MWF2YnFzaGF1cmNrMQ== Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 英会話 eikaiwa - English conversation school  幼稚園 youchien - kindergarten  保育園 hoikuen - preschool/nursery school  保育士 hoikushi - nursery school teacher, early childcare worker  Time stamps 00:00 getting started with teaching, transitioning to Japan 07:18 living in China vs Japan 11:06 TikTok journey 15:53 getting a specialized teaching degree 22:14 foreign teacher expectations 26:58 international schools  36:04 visiting home, holidays 37:36 cultural understanding 43:06 family 45:14 long term plans, language 51:38 moments that stick with you 56:37 Japanese food 1:01:15 advice for those wanting to move and teach

    1h 5m

  4. MAY 6

    Why Seasonal Allergies are Japan’s National Disease | Conbini Cult Episode 94

    Every February to April, pollen is released into the air, and nearly half the population beings to suffer with allergy symptoms. Let’s take a little deep dive into the main culprit for pollen this time of year, how to problem escalated, ways to survive the season, and what’s being done to combat it!  Thanks Rosa for joining us again! Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 花粉症 kafunsho - pollen allergy, hay fever 杉 sugi - cedar  檜 【ひのき】 hinoki - cypress 黄砂 kousa - yellow sand/dust References/sources: How Japan is tackling the growing challenge of seasonal allergies https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/03/japan-seasonal-allergies/ High and rising hay fever in Japan may now have a solution https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/04/is-climate-change-to-blame-for-worsening-hay-fever-there-could-be-a-solution/ 【2026年のピークはいつから？】花粉症ガイド｜季節、原因、症状から「なぜ日本だけ？」の疑問まで解説 (My browser translated it) https://www.fun-japan.jp/jp/articles/12222 Why is the number of hay fever patients on the rise? What is the "ultimate trump card" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk_QqxeJvXA Hay Fever (Kafunsho) in Japan https://www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/healthcaresystem/hay-fever/ A (Pollen-free) Sigh of Relief for Japan: The Genetics of Male Sterility in Cedar Treeshttps://www.ffpri.go.jp/ffpri/en/research/results/2021/20210216press.html Getting rid of your runny nose: dealing with hay fever in Japan https://gogonihon.com/en/blog/getting-rid-of-our-runny-nose-dealing-with-hay-fever-in-japan/ Which Country Has the Highest AQI in the World?https://sundayguardianlive.com/trending/which-country-has-the-highest-aqi-in-the-world-heres-the-answer-172154/ Tired of Sneezing? This Everyday Drink Might Offer Some Relief, According to New Researchhttps://www.foodandwine.com/matcha-relieves-allergy-sneezing-study-11948032  Time stamps 00:00 intro/allergy season 05:04 the culprit, stats etc 15:31 yellow dust 17:46 listener poll, common symptoms 21:49 survival tips 33:54 measures being taken

    37 min

  5. MAY 3

    Osaka vs Tokyo BATTLE | Conbini Cult Episode 93

    Tokyo and Osaka, despite being part of the same country, are very different places when it comes to dialect, food, atmosphere, etc. In today’s episode we’re getting into some friendly banter (perhaps a heated rivalry?) over what we like about each place, and why we do/don’t want to live there. Let us know in the comments whether you’re for Kanto or Kansai, or perhaps another area all together.  Thanks Rosa for joining us with another fun discussion.  Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Host: Frankie - @franklinthewoman on all platforms Words mentioned/useful words: 標準語 hyojungo - standard Japanese 関西弁 Kansai-ben - Kansai dialect いいじゃん ii jyan - it’s good, right? I like it, nice, etc おおきに ookini - thank you (Kansai) まじで maji de - really, seriously ヤバイ yabai - whoa, wow, crazy, sh*t, etc (just a general expression used for things both good and bad) あかん akan - you can’t/shouldn’t, don’t do it, bad, no, etc (Kansai) だめ da-me - (same as akan but dame is standard Japanese) しゃーない shaanai - Kansai version of shoganai (it is what it is) 大盛り oomori - large portion of food 土下座 dogeza - kneeling directly on the ground and bowing to show deep gratitude or an apology  遅延証明書 chien shomeisho - certificate of lateness (you can get one when the train is delayed) 食い倒れ kuidaore - eat til you drop/go broke References/sources: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/what-is-the-average-salary-in-tokyo/ https://www.worldcostofliving.com/compare/tokyo-vs-osaka Time stamps 00:00 hello/our qualifications 02:52 general stats for each city 5:00 differences (dialect, cost of living, food, etc) 18:26 Osaka obachan  20:56 Tokyo pros and cons 36:52 Osaka pros and cons 45:41 do we want to move to Tokyo? 47:05 bonus story

    54 min

  6. APR 26

    English Teacher to Full-time Content Creator w Kawaii Coco | Conbini Cult Episode 92

    Let the guest episodes begin! This week we have Coco, an American content creator who moved to Japan 6 years ago to teach English, and is making her dreams come true in Tokyo as a full-time influencer. Let’s talk US vs Japan, the pros and cons of living and working in Tokyo, getting started as a creator and how Coco showcases small businesses all over the country. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Coco’s socials: @kawaiiicoco https://www.instagram.com/kawaiiicoco/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kawaiiicoco Frankie - @franklinthewoman Time stamps 00:00 intro/why Japan 05:23 moving to Tokyo in 2020 11:50 first and last teaching jobs 16:44 making social media a career 24:32 family  27:43 traveling to other countries 31:59 making a living as a creator 36:08 online community & safety 42:34 long-term plans 44:49 cost of living in Japan vs US 50:40 pros and cons - wholesome experiences 54:22 pets, anime, Japanese food 1:04:27 showcasing small businesses in Japan 1:06:45 advice for aspiring creators

    1h 10m

  7. APR 19

    Lost & Banned Japanese Media | Conbini Cult Episode 91

    Anyone remember the Pokemon seizure incident of 1997 or the cursed tissue commercial that left people mysteriously ill? Let’s chat censorship in Japanese media, and media that has been banned or lost. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Frankie - @franklinthewoman References/sources: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2385308 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2014/08/27/films/pink-eiga-a-brief-history/ https://www.eastasian.ucsb.edu/news/pink-film-and-censorship/ https://comicbook.com/anime/news/lost-jojos-bizarre-adventure-movie-shares-surprising-update/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSyev_EFa_U https://www.vice.com/en/article/did-pokemon-actually-give-kids-seizures-in-the-90s/ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/EP038 https://gamerant.com/pokemon-porygon-episode-english-dub/ https://rsf.org/en/rsf-urges-japan-stop-pressuring-media-fukushima-related-topics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOW6PHOUrQ8 https://youtu.be/4vgcYBwyw28?si=eI48XdU7M5UkpPR1 https://archive.org/details/moemanifestoinsi0000galb/page/n193/mode/2up https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-06-18/japan-confirms-execution-of-cannibal-killer/2475810 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LFlK1ssUDY https://youtu.be/xKjtKMRFpAo?si=H4v_dusFCC14y0Jw Time stamps 00:00 hey y’all 05:55 censorship 09:15 the lost JoJo film 11:43 Pokemon Seizure Incident 15:28 self-censorship after disaster 18:10 the haunted tissue commercial 25:04 The Otaku K*ller - TW - CSA 27:42 Shojo Tsubaki - TW - CSA

    41 min

  8. APR 12

    Sayonara Cheyenne | Conbini Cult Episode 90

    Welp, Cheyenne’s been talking about her move to Shikoku for a while now, and sadly the time has finally come. Let’s reminisce about the last couple years doing this podcast together, and see where Frankie plans to take the podcast from here on out. Got questions or want to share your story? Send us an email at conbinicultpod@gmail.com Frankie - @franklinthewoman Cheyenne - @lostwithlow Words mentioned/useful words: 発表 happyo - to announce, publicize  申し訳ない (moushiwakenai) - sorry, I feel bad References/sources: As bathroom behavior changes, these Japanese expressions can help explain why https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/11/26/language/bathroom-habits-japan-men/ The survery: https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/416518 Time stamps 00:00  06:19 reminiscing on the past couple years 26:09 regrets? 28:48 toilet controversy  35:32 awkward moments 39:01 the work behind the podcast 44:49 future of the pod

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Living in another country sure can be interesting. Is being foreigners in Japan our whole personality? I guess so. Stick around for silly stories (from us and you, the listeners) about work, dating, language learning, embarrassing moments, current events, and deep dives on Japan-related topics we’re curious to learn more about.

Information

  • Creator
    Conbini Cult Pod
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Conbini Cult Pod
  • Show Website
    Conbini Cult

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